The UFC today announced the signing of former Pride champion Wanderlei Silva.

In an article with UFC.com’s Thomas Gherbasi, the UFC announced that Silva will return to fight for the UFC for the first time in seven years. He last fought in the Octagon in April of 2000, losing a decision to Tito Ortiz at UFC 25.

Silva’s return is slated for sometime in December. Although no date or opponent was announced, it is likely that “The Axe Murder” will make his return on the December 29 year-end extravaganza.

Both Silva and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck Liddell have stated several times that they would like to face each other and UFC President Dana White has tried for years to put that fight together, so it would not be a stretch to believe that Silva vs. Liddell is the likely match-up for Silva’s return.

Silva commented in Gherbasi’s article that, as a longtime Pride champion, it has been a dream of his to have the UFC belt around his waste.

The signing appeared to be the realization of a dream of sorts for White as well. He stated on UFC.com, “As crazy as this sounds, this is the pinnacle of my seven year career in this company.”

The UFC has reserved December 29 with the Nevada State Athletic Commission for an event at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Holy shit I never really thought it about it but damn you're right. The UFC LHW division is stacked as fuck now. Wandy, Chuck, Hendo, Rampage, Shogun, Machida, Tito, Rashad, and Bisping. Although I don't even know if we should count Bisping since it looks like he'll never face real competition. I doubt he even cares about fighting for the title, he's just tryin to make some "quid" for his family.

I think I'm going to die laughing when all of the Liddell fanboys are fucking stunned when they watch Liddell gets completely outclassed. The only way, and I mean the only way Chuck will get out of the first round is if he's scared of Silva and comes out with a Rampage vs Chuck II game plan. Other than watching Chuck get dismantled, this is bad news for Prides future.